Honouring Women in Pottery: A Legacy of Strength, Craft, and Creativity
As the crisp autumn air settles over Murrumbateman and golden leaves swirl in the breeze, I find myself reflecting on the transformative power of women in pottery. This International Women’s Day, we embrace the theme #AccelerateAction—a call to honour the countless women who have shaped the art of ceramics throughout history, from ancient times to today.
The Hands That Built History
Women have been at the heart of ceramics for millennia. As early as 6,000 BCE, they were the primary ceramicists, shaping, firing, and decorating pottery that sustained daily life. In ancient Greece, women played a greater role in pottery production than history once gave them credit for, challenging long-held assumptions about gender roles in artisan crafts.
By the 19th and 20th centuries, women like Maria Longworth-Nichols, who founded the Rookwood Pottery Company, and Adelaide Alsop Robineau, whose intricate porcelain work earned international acclaim, broke through societal constraints to establish themselves as leading figures in the ceramics world. The American Art Pottery movement saw Pauline Jacobus and Lulu Deveraux Dixon transform ceramics into a recognised art form, paving the way for generations to come.
Shaping the Present and Future
Today, women continue to redefine the pottery landscape. Artists like Magdalene Odundo create breathtaking sculptural pieces that evoke the female form, while ventures like Wheely Good Ceramics exemplify the collaborative spirit of women in the field. These modern innovators carry forward an ancient legacy, blending tradition with boundary-pushing creativity.
A Celebration at Whistle & Page
Here at Whistle & Page, every piece I craft is a homage to the remarkable women who came before. The gentle press of a fingertip, the patient smoothing of an edge—each motion echoes the movements of potters across time. In my sunlit studio, surrounded by clay-dusted tools and the warmth of a kiln, I feel deeply connected to this lineage of women who have shaped the earth into something both beautiful and useful.
Join the Journey: Pottery Workshops & Community
There’s something truly special about shaping clay with your own hands—the way it slows time, quiets the mind, and connects you to an art form that women have carried forward for thousands of years. When I run my Monday Mud and Mischief or Fire Up Friday workshops, I see it happen in real-time. A room full of busy minds and hands, laughter spilling over as people lean into the process, losing themselves in the quiet rhythm of making. It’s not just about learning pottery—it’s about finding a moment of stillness and creativity in the midst of life.
I’ve seen people walk into my studio uncertain, even hesitant, and leave with something they never expected—not just a handmade piece, but a renewed sense of joy. As Julie shared:
"What a joy my first lesson in the basic art of pottery was; being guided & encouraged by this beautiful & talented soul. Such a lovely tranquil space & experience; forming a lump of soft clay into my own creation. The couple of hours slipped away in an instant it seemed and I did not want to leave. I am so looking forward to each & every class to come……. Thank you Nawsheen."
That’s why I love what I do. If you’ve ever wanted to try pottery, or just need a space to create, unwind, and connect, I’d love to have you join me. Find a workshop that speaks to you.
Supporting Women, Supporting Art
This International Women's Day, let’s celebrate the women who have shaped pottery and continue to inspire us. By supporting female artisans, learning their stories, and embracing the art they champion, we ensure their contributions are recognised, valued, and carried forward.
Explore my handcrafted collection, join a workshop, or connect with our community at Whistle & Page. Let’s honour the past, celebrate the present, and shape the future—one piece of clay at a time.
Until next time,
Your friendly homebody potter from Murrumbateman.
